FORT STEWART, Ga. - Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, recently completed the squadron's unstabilized gunnery during a nine-day training exercise held at Fort Stewart.
The squadron associates the success of this year's gunnery to the work put into the previous year's gunnery, which focused heavily on basic gunnery fundamentals.
"The difference between this year's and last year's gunnery is that we started preparing for this year at the conclusion of gunnery last year," said Lt. Col. Lance Varney, commander, 3/7 Cav.
Lieutenant Colonel Varney also stated that while the squadron retained much of the knowledge learned from the previous year; many of the crews qualifying were new.
"Although we have many new crews, we still have enough institutional knowledge within the squadron which has made this year's gunnery go much smoother. Last year we focused heavily on the fundamentals, which allowed the Squadron to qualify about the same number of brand new gunners in about a third of the time," Lt. Col. Varney said.
"During the gunnery multi-phase training evaluation, learning how to maintain, employ, operate and actually be tested on a weapons system is crucial. Gunnery not only tests competency, but also builds Soldier's confidence in their individual and team skills while simulating real life battlefield situations," said Sgt. First Class Noel Sawyer, 3/7 Cav., 2HBCT, squadron master gunner.
Sergeant First Class Sawyer stated that Gunnery is a systematic process that focuses on main weapon systems and validates the training Soldiers have completed throughout the year. It also builds the confidence in the Soldiers, preparing them to use their weapon systems in combat situations.
Sergeant First Class Sawyer agreed with Lt. Col. Varney that the success from the previous year has led to greater success during the squadron's current gunnery.
"All of our Soldiers, including the officers, noncommissioned officers, gunners and drivers, have done an outstanding job in gunnery this year, building on our successes from last year," Sgt. First Class Sawyer said.
Social Sharing